Kelly Sue DeConnick’s last Image book Pretty Deadly was a creative, adventurous, and mysterious ride with a female character at the lead. In her latest Image series Bitch Planet, she takes the female lead one step further embracing the themes of feminism, and putting a cast of strong women at the forefront in a way that although from first glance looks exploitative, is anything but. The characters she introduces in this first issue have depth, heart, and a weight to them. Bitch Planet, much like the story inside will surprise you in all the best ways from the cover to the last page.

Starting with the cover, interior artist Valentine De Landro and cover and logo designer Rian Hughes show off their design skills and create a tone for the book that carries on throughout this first issue. With quotes on the cover that read “Girl Gangs” and “Caged and Enraged”, and an image that will surely remind you of movie posters from the 1960s and 70s, De Landro and Hughes give us a cover that absolutely stands out, along with a logo that demands your attention. The interior pencils and colors do a fantastic job of giving the world a unique look, balancing bright colors with heavy blacks. Chris Peter’s colors adds so much to the art, as he’s not afraid to throw in a heavy use of pink, in the toughest and meanest way possible. From the overall design, to the uncluttered pencils, to the courageous colors, Bitch Planet nails “a look”, and it will be exciting to see more.

In terms of story, Kelly Sue DeConnick gives us enough in terms of characters and world building to wet our appetite for more. The character of Penelope Rolle stands out in this first issue, but she isn’t necessarily the main character. You’re really not sure who that main character is, and that’s what adds to the enjoyment of this book. In a surprise twist, you get the sense of who that main character will be going forward, but DeConnick establishes a supporting cast that I can’t wait to read more about. DeConnick embraces the exploitation at the beginning of the story, but slowly starts to show you that there’s so much more depth to the world she’s created. It’s wonderfully paced throughout and the action carries with it some dire and violent consequences.

Bitch Planet delivers in every category. There’s so much to like and it’s just getting started. The creative team on this book have all found a way to have all their contributions create something where the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. I think I know the direction this book is headed in, but because of the twists and turns in this first issue, I’m not so sure and that’s exciting. Bitch Planet deserves your time and begs the question, “are you WOMAN enough to survive…”